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On-the-move Mediterranean eatery Cava plans to open inside commuter-packed Union Station in the coming months — one of three new locations planned here on its home turf — a growth spurt expected to speed its goal of doubling in size before the end of the year.
The six-year-old company is on a mission to add at least 20 new restaurants in 2017, thanks to the $30 million it amassed from investors earlier this year. Cava recently expanded its presence in California, having just opened a West Coast flagship in Santa Monica.
The D.C.-based company, Eater DC’s 2016 Empire Builder of the Year, has lots of expanded capabilities as of late: there’s its new production kitchen in Laurel, Md., a new corporate office in Chinatown, and a home base to test products like its collection of small-batch sauces. Also on tap for the area this year: additional locations in Navy Yard and H Street NE.
“We’re proud to represent our hometown in one of the East Coast's central transit hubs,” CEO Brett Schulman said of landing a spot in the commuting complex.
Union Station just added a sweet option for travelers, with last week’s opening of French confectioner Ladurée.
